certification.oeffa.orgCertification - OEFFA Certification

OHIO ECOLOGICAL FOOD AND FARM ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION POLICY BEGIN FARMING FAIR FARMS OUTREACH JOIN DONATE EVENTS Certification Fees and Deadlines Producers Handlers/Processors SOE Transition Payment Certification Handlers More Cost Share Food Justice Certification Materials Review Resources Inspectors Certification Fees and Deadlines Producers Handlers/Processors SOE Transition Payment Certification Handlers More Cost Share Food Justice Certification Materials Review Resources Inspectors Certification About OEFFA has operated an organic certification program since 1981. While the standards and the process have evolved since then, what hasn’t changed is OEFFA’s commitment to uphold the integrity of organics and provide farmers and handler/processors a pathway for profitability. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing excellent customer service. We value our partnership with each of our clients, no matter the size or scope of operation, and work with you to meet your business’ needs. Organic production and handling requires a systems approach.” It involves practices promoting soil , animal, and worker health. This system protects water quality and the environment through integrated pest, weed, and disease management. The organic system produces a wholesome product that has been verified by a qualified third-party. With few exceptions, a grower or handler must be certified organic to market products with organic claims. We would be pleased to partner with you to provide your certification service. Please note that we do not certify hydroponic operations (which exclude soil) or chicken porches as a replacement for outdoor access. Coverage Area OEFFA Certification currently accepts new applications from operations in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Producers and Farmers – Applications from new producers outside of this service area but in nearby states may be accepted based on administrative capacity. Please contact us for more information if this applies to you. Handlers and Processors – Depending on administrative capacity, we may also accept applications for certification from handlers outside of our service region but in the contiguous United States. If this applies to you, please contact us to see if we are currently accepting handler applications from outside the service region. If you are from outside our region and are already certified by OEFFA, we are happy to continue to work with you! The Certification Process Complete and submit an application: Your Organic System Plan (OSP) describes your organic operation. Initial Review: Based on the OSP, we determine if your operation appears to be eligible for organic certification. If so, we assign an inspector to visit your operation. Inspection: An on-site inspection is conducted to verify the information in your OSP and evaluate how the plan has been implemented. Post-Inspection Review: After we receive the inspector’s report, we do a final review to determine if your operation complies with organic standards. Certification Decision: If your operation is compliant, we issue a certificate. Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association 41 Croswell Rd. Columbus OH 43214 organic oeffa org OEFFA: (614) 421-2022 (614) 421-2022 OEFFA Certification: (614) 262-2022 (614) 262-2022 Fax: (614) 421-2011 (614) 421-2011 Certification Bulletin Winter 2024 Follow Us OHIO ECOLOGICAL FOOD AND FARM ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION POLICY BEGIN FARMING FAIR FARMS OUTREACH JOIN DONATE EVENTS © 2024 Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association | Privacy...